Hip Pain

Hip pain is a general term that refers to any pain felt in the hip area or around the hip joint.

It is worth noting that pain or discomfort may not always be felt in the hip itself. In some cases, it is felt in the groin or thigh. In addition, the hip is a common area for pain referral from problems with the lumbar spine.

Causes of Hip Pain

The following are the most common causes of pain in the hip area:

Inflammation in the Tendons

As the thick band of tissues attaching the bone to the muscles, tendons help facilitate movement. Overuse and repetitive stress can cause these tendons to be inflamed. Over-exercise is a common cause for the inflammation. This is also called tendonitis.

Although tendonitis can be very painful, in many cases, the condition subsides after a few days.

Arthritis

If there is long-term hip pain especially in older adults, the likely cause is arthritis. It can also cause stiffness, difficulty in walking, an overall reduction in mobility and tender joints. Arthritis can develop into inflammation of the hip joint and the breaking down of the cartilage that acts as a cushion for the hip bones.

With arthritis, the pain and reduction in mobility may get gradually worse over time.

The following are the types of arthritis that can cause hip pain:

  • Osteoarthritis – This is the most common arthritis type. It can be caused by aging and the wearing down of the cartilage surrounding the joints. It can also be caused by trauma to a joint or a fracture that developed into osteoarthritis.
  • Infectious arthritis – This is caused by an infection in the joint that eventually caused the destruction of the cartilage.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis – This is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the joints. Over time, this type of arthritis can destroy the joint, cartilage, and bone.

Trochanteric Bursitis

Bursa is the sac near the hip joint filled with a fluid substance. It functions as a gliding surface to reduce the friction when moving. There are several bursae in the body. They can be found near bones, muscles, and tendons. The hip has two major bursae.

Hip or trochanteric bursitis occurs when there is an inflammation of the bursa. This can happen after a hip injury or if there has been overuse of the joints. Problems with the posture of the individual can also result in this condition.

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures can be caused by injury in the region. In older adults, the more common cause for hip fractures is the weakening of the bone structure brought on by aging, osteoporosis, or other factors.

Fractures in the hip cause sudden and severe pain in the hip area. They also likely require medical attention since they can lead to complications such as a blood clot in the leg. In many cases, surgery is required to correct the fracture.

People who suffer hip fractures also need to undergo physical

Trochanteric bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis is a condition that occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) near the hip joint become inflamed. These bursae help reduce friction and provide cushioning for the hip joint. When they’re irritated, it can lead to pain on the outside of the hip and upper thigh. Trochanteric bursitis can result from activities that involve repetitive hip movements or prolonged pressure on the bursae, like running or standing for extended periods. It can cause discomfort and limit mobility but can often be managed with rest, ice, physical therapy, and, in some cases, medication or injections.

Piriformis syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is a condition that involves the piriformis muscle in the buttocks. Piriformis syndrome can cause pain in the buttocks. This pain can come from the muscle itself, or through tension in the muscle irritating the nearby sciatic nerve. In approximately 15% of the population, the sciatic nerve runs right through the piriformis muscle.

This can lead to symptoms like pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttocks and down the back of the leg, similar to sciatica. It’s often caused by muscle tightness, injury, or overuse. Managing piriformis syndrome typically involves stretches, physical therapy, and sometimes medication to relieve the discomfort and improve mobility.

Hip labral tears

A hip labral tear is a condition where the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket, gets damaged or torn. This can cause pain, aching, and discomfort in the hip joint, especially during movements like walking, bending, or twisting. The pain is most often in the groin region or forward, part of the hip,

Hip labral tears can result from injury, repetitive motions, or structural issues in the hip joint. Treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery to repair the torn labrum. It’s a common issue, particularly among athletes and those with hip joint abnormalities, and addressing it can help improve hip function and reduce pain.

Other Possible Causes

The following are less common causes of hip pain:

Snapping hip syndrome

More common in athletes and dancers, this condition is characterized by a snapping sound or sensation in the hip when mobile. Although this condition is usually painless, in some cases, the individual may feel pain or discomfort. This could also indicate a tear in the cartilage.

Femoral-acetabular impingement syndrome

Femoral Acetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAI) is a condition where the labrum, a tissue attached around the socket, like a rubber washer gets pinched between the neck of the femur and the socket. Often times, the shape of the neck of the femur, or the shape of a socket is what causes the impingement. In any case, the labrum tear is away from the socket.

FAI can make simple activities like walking or bending difficult, and it often affects young, active individuals. Ignoring the pain can lead to more serious hip issues down the road, but with the right treatment, which may include physical therapy, medication, or even surgery, you can regain pain-free movement and enjoy life to the fullest.

Osteonecrosis

Also called avascular necrosis, this condition occurs when blood does not reach the bones which can result in the loss of the supporting bone. As it progresses, the cartilage will eventually collapse. The following increase the risk of getting this condition:

  • Heavy steroid use
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Injury in the joint
  • Certain cancer treatments